Key Takeaways
- Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem prepares to defend his javelin throw title at the Glasgow games.
- Nadeem will compete in a Swiss event before the Commonwealth Games to assess his readiness.
- The athlete faces tough competition, including Sri Lankan Rumesh Tharanga's impressive throw.
Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem is set to defend his javelin throw title at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 29-year-old athlete, who won the gold medal with a record throw of 90.18 metres at the 2022 Birmingham games, is currently preparing for the July 23-August 2 event.
Nadeem will participate in an international contest in Switzerland before the Commonwealth Games to gauge his strength and preparation. Speaking after his final training session at the Punjab Stadium in Lahore on Sunday, he said, 'I am going to feature in an event in Switzerland before a major competition like the Commonwealth Games. I participate in an event before any big contest, which gives me an idea about my strength and preparation.'
Recalling his 2022 achievements, Nadeem stated that four years after breaking the Commonwealth Games record, he remains in the same position. He added, 'There is also pressure [on me] that I have been the champion for four years and now I will need to again do well [to retain the title].'
The athlete acknowledges the tough competition ahead, citing Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga's impressive throw of 86.57 metres at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet as an example. Nadeem said, 'There is always pressure while entering the field, only then that pressure has to be controlled.'
Nadeem’s journey to Glasgow includes a significant milestone: becoming the first-ever Pakistan athlete to directly qualify for the Olympics in 2024. He expressed his determination and readiness, stating, 'I am going to feature in an event in Switzerland before a major competition like the Commonwealth Games. I participate in an event before any big contest, which gives me an idea about my strength and preparation.'
The Commonwealth Games present a formidable challenge for Nadeem, who is aware of the expectations placed on him as the defending champion. He emphasized his preparedness, saying, 'There is always pressure while entering the field, only then that pressure has to be controlled.'
As the games approach, Nadeem’s focus remains on maintaining his form and ensuring he is in top condition for the competition. His journey from Lahore to Glasgow will be watched closely by sports enthusiasts across Pakistan.
I am going to feature in an event in Switzerland before a major competition like the Commonwealth Games. I participate in an event before any big contest, which gives me an idea about my strength and preparation.
Arshad Nadeem, Olympic gold medallist
There is always pressure while entering the field, only then that pressure has to be controlled.
Arshad Nadeem, Olympic gold medallist
